Common 2012 TL Problems
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Banned
Joined: Oct 2015
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Common 2012 TL Problems
My warranty expires December 28th 2015, I bought my TL used with 44K on it. Great car! I was wondering if people with more miles on their TLs could tell me common issues and problems they have to deal with down the road. When I got the car I had the battery, external trans cooler filter, and some interior trim replaced under warranty. Since I still have time I would like to replace anything that is common to malfunction or fail on these cars. Before creating this new thread I spent a few days reading other threads on this forum and noticed that a common issue is the torque converter failing, resulting in hard shifts and jerks. I went to Acura and addressed my car shifting a little roughly when slowing down and coasting. I didn't get any software update or a replacement for my torque converter but I did get the trans fluid replaced. The car is better but I still can't understand fully the symptoms of a failing torque converter because I don't know how this 6 spd transmission is supposed to act. Otherwise everyone I talk to tells me the car is bulletproof if properly maintained. Let me know what you guys have noticed frequently! Thanks!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 893
Likes: 190
From: Not far enough from Chicago
torque converter
propeller shaft
Top issues with 2012 and 4th gen models. 09-11 have several other annoyances, mostly rattles and blown speakers.
You'll know when the propeller needs attention, you'll hear a loud whistle under the car at any speed, but at high speeds it can be shrill enough to drown out your stereo.
The TC has a few symptoms. The most prevalent, and the one Acura can't ignore is the hunting tachometer. You'll find it happens most often between 35-50 mph, mostly uphill. The transmission can't decide if it should downshift so your tach will jump back and forth. You will feel it. Also, the tranny will generally not downshift when it should. There will be a noticeable lack of power. That's what I experienced anyway.
propeller shaft
Top issues with 2012 and 4th gen models. 09-11 have several other annoyances, mostly rattles and blown speakers.
You'll know when the propeller needs attention, you'll hear a loud whistle under the car at any speed, but at high speeds it can be shrill enough to drown out your stereo.
The TC has a few symptoms. The most prevalent, and the one Acura can't ignore is the hunting tachometer. You'll find it happens most often between 35-50 mph, mostly uphill. The transmission can't decide if it should downshift so your tach will jump back and forth. You will feel it. Also, the tranny will generally not downshift when it should. There will be a noticeable lack of power. That's what I experienced anyway.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 140
Likes: 59
I have a 2012 Advanced FWD with 104,000 miles. I purchased it a year ago with 80K. Replaced the external transmission filter when I heard the gurgling sound on cold mornings this last winter and fixed this problem. I change the trans fluid every other oil change and use the Honda DW-1 fluid. I have not had any problems with the car at all. The 6 speed auto is a different than any auto trans i have had. Between 40-55 it will shift from 6th to 5th going uphill almost like it has a grade sensor. I think this is by design with the programming.
Getting ready for the timing belt and water pump change next month.
No problems with the stereo speakers but the guy who had it before me never challenged them from the music that was left on the hard drive. They are getting challenged now and I expect to have to install some better aftermarket speakers anytime.
First Honda product. Good so far.
Getting ready for the timing belt and water pump change next month.
No problems with the stereo speakers but the guy who had it before me never challenged them from the music that was left on the hard drive. They are getting challenged now and I expect to have to install some better aftermarket speakers anytime.
First Honda product. Good so far.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 121
Likes: 13
From: Cougar Town
torque converter
propeller shaft
Top issues with 2012 and 4th gen models. 09-11 have several other annoyances, mostly rattles and blown speakers.
You'll know when the propeller needs attention, you'll hear a loud whistle under the car at any speed, but at high speeds it can be shrill enough to drown out your stereo.
The TC has a few symptoms. The most prevalent, and the one Acura can't ignore is the hunting tachometer. You'll find it happens most often between 35-50 mph, mostly uphill. The transmission can't decide if it should downshift so your tach will jump back and forth. You will feel it. Also, the tranny will generally not downshift when it should. There will be a noticeable lack of power. That's what I experienced anyway.
propeller shaft
Top issues with 2012 and 4th gen models. 09-11 have several other annoyances, mostly rattles and blown speakers.
You'll know when the propeller needs attention, you'll hear a loud whistle under the car at any speed, but at high speeds it can be shrill enough to drown out your stereo.
The TC has a few symptoms. The most prevalent, and the one Acura can't ignore is the hunting tachometer. You'll find it happens most often between 35-50 mph, mostly uphill. The transmission can't decide if it should downshift so your tach will jump back and forth. You will feel it. Also, the tranny will generally not downshift when it should. There will be a noticeable lack of power. That's what I experienced anyway.
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
torque converter
propeller shaft
Top issues with 2012 and 4th gen models. 09-11 have several other annoyances, mostly rattles and blown speakers.
You'll know when the propeller needs attention, you'll hear a loud whistle under the car at any speed, but at high speeds it can be shrill enough to drown out your stereo.
The TC has a few symptoms. The most prevalent, and the one Acura can't ignore is the hunting tachometer. You'll find it happens most often between 35-50 mph, mostly uphill. The transmission can't decide if it should downshift so your tach will jump back and forth. You will feel it. Also, the tranny will generally not downshift when it should. There will be a noticeable lack of power. That's what I experienced anyway.
propeller shaft
Top issues with 2012 and 4th gen models. 09-11 have several other annoyances, mostly rattles and blown speakers.
You'll know when the propeller needs attention, you'll hear a loud whistle under the car at any speed, but at high speeds it can be shrill enough to drown out your stereo.
The TC has a few symptoms. The most prevalent, and the one Acura can't ignore is the hunting tachometer. You'll find it happens most often between 35-50 mph, mostly uphill. The transmission can't decide if it should downshift so your tach will jump back and forth. You will feel it. Also, the tranny will generally not downshift when it should. There will be a noticeable lack of power. That's what I experienced anyway.
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
I have a 2012 Advanced FWD with 104,000 miles. I purchased it a year ago with 80K. Replaced the external transmission filter when I heard the gurgling sound on cold mornings this last winter and fixed this problem. I change the trans fluid every other oil change and use the Honda DW-1 fluid. I have not had any problems with the car at all. The 6 speed auto is a different than any auto trans i have had. Between 40-55 it will shift from 6th to 5th going uphill almost like it has a grade sensor. I think this is by design with the programming.
Getting ready for the timing belt and water pump change next month.
No problems with the stereo speakers but the guy who had it before me never challenged them from the music that was left on the hard drive. They are getting challenged now and I expect to have to install some better aftermarket speakers anytime.
First Honda product. Good so far.
Getting ready for the timing belt and water pump change next month.
No problems with the stereo speakers but the guy who had it before me never challenged them from the music that was left on the hard drive. They are getting challenged now and I expect to have to install some better aftermarket speakers anytime.
First Honda product. Good so far.
Coming from a Nissan this TL is a different animal. I'm using 0W-20 synthetic. I will probably change the oil before the computer tells me, most likely at 5000 miles. Acura told me every 30K for the tranny flush, probably won't be doing it every other oil change! 
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Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 27
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Yes! I always hear a loud rattle when reversing out of my driveway. Is that a common problem? I thought maybe somwthing in the glovebox was shaking around but seems to be an issue with you as well. I'll be at my Acura dealer this weekend so I can ask and see what they can do.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 177
Likes: 21
From: Toronto, ON
Yes! I always hear a loud rattle when reversing out of my driveway. Is that a common problem? I thought maybe somwthing in the glovebox was shaking around but seems to be an issue with you as well. I'll be at my Acura dealer this weekend so I can ask and see what they can do.
To start:
If you have the FWD instead of the SH-AWD, you probably have a slightly lesser chance of having the infamous torque converter issue, but I had symptoms of it which was one contributing factor to getting rid of it. I noticed the rough TC jerking when going slowly uphill or during stop-and-go traffic when revving up around 2k rpm moving at around 40-50 km/h.
To Add:
Check out this thread with TSBs for the 4G TL:
https://acurazine.com/forums/fourth-...s-tsbs-701767/
The link contains a list of known problems with the TL and solutions that dealers can implement to fix. They're billable so dealers should fix it if it's under warranty. You can print out the specific TSB and bring it there to show them (though they should know if they're not playing dumb).
My TL had a rattle in the glove compartment which was hard to reproduce but once the mechanics found it, they insulated the area under the dash around the glove box and greatly dampened it.
I also had both rattles TSBs under the rear hat shelf. They stem from issues behind the trunk liner. You'll hear a clicking rattle when driving over bumps coming from the rear window area if you have it.
I also had the rattle from the moon-roof area but it only really shown it self when closing the doors and rarely when driving so I left it alone.
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: OK
Yes! I always hear a loud rattle when reversing out of my driveway. Is that a common problem? I thought maybe somwthing in the glovebox was shaking around but seems to be an issue with you as well. I'll be at my Acura dealer this weekend so I can ask and see what they can do.
Not really when reversing it, but I notice it at certain RPMs, I'm going to take it to the dealer next week w/some other items & hopefully get them resolved!
9th Gear
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 7
From: Michigan
I have a glovebox rattle too...but going forward, over various pavement and bumps, getting pretty annoying. Gonna have to make an appointment.
Also, I've got a SH-AWD 6sp Manual, and when I shift into reverse my side mirror on the drivers side does not tilt down anymore...but the power adjustments and the memory settings still work. very odd.
Also, I've got a SH-AWD 6sp Manual, and when I shift into reverse my side mirror on the drivers side does not tilt down anymore...but the power adjustments and the memory settings still work. very odd.
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Oct 2015
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They need to pinpoint the issue, so without any recording they will be only shooting in the dark. Weird how it comes and goes, even backing out today it wasn't rattling yet it has happened before when driving to class.
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